Dump-and-Bake Chicken Parmesan Casserole

By: CALVIN ROURKE

Published: September 17, 2025

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why make this recipe

Dump-and-Bake Chicken Parmesan Casserole is a fantastic choice for busy weeknights. It combines the beloved flavors of classic Chicken Parmesan with the convenience of a one-dish meal. You don’t need to spend hours in the kitchen or mess up multiple pots and pans. Just mix, bake, and enjoy a hearty meal that the whole family will love. Plus, it’s easy to customize with your favorite ingredients!

how to make Dump-and-Bake Chicken Parmesan Casserole

Ingredients

  • 1½ cups uncooked rotini pasta
  • 2 cups cooked chicken breast, diced or shredded
  • 2 cups marinara sauce
  • 1¼ cups water or chicken broth
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • ½ teaspoon garlic powder
  • ½ teaspoon onion powder
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
  • ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • ½ cup turkey ham or turkey pepperoni (optional, for added flavor)
  • ½ cup breadcrumbs (for topping)
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil or melted butter (for topping)

Directions

  1. Preheat Your Oven: Set your oven to 425°F (220°C). Grab a 9×13-inch baking dish—no need to grease it.

  2. Layer It All In: Start by pouring the uncooked rotini pasta into the baking dish. The pasta cooks right in the sauce and soaks up all the great flavors.

  3. Add the Chicken: Scatter the cooked chicken over the pasta. Leftover rotisserie chicken works great! If you have turkey ham or turkey pepperoni, now is a good time to add those for extra flavor.

  4. Mix the Sauce: In a separate bowl or right in the baking dish, mix the marinara sauce with the water or broth. Stir in the Italian seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Pour this mixture evenly over the pasta and chicken.

  5. Cheese, Please: Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan evenly over the top. You want some cheese melted into the dish and some on top for a beautiful golden finish.

  6. Add the Crunch: In a small bowl, mix the breadcrumbs with the olive oil or melted butter. Sprinkle this over the casserole to create a crispy topping.

  7. Bake and Relax: Cover the dish with foil and bake for 30 minutes. Then, uncover it and bake for another 10–15 minutes, until the pasta is tender and the top is golden and bubbly.

  8. Cool and Serve: Let it rest for about 5 minutes before serving. This helps the casserole set and makes it easier to serve.

how to serve Dump-and-Bake Chicken Parmesan Casserole

Serve your chicken Parmesan casserole hot from the oven. It goes well with a simple side salad or some garlic bread to soak up the extra sauce. If you want, you can also top it with fresh basil or parsley for an extra touch of freshness.

how to store Dump-and-Bake Chicken Parmesan Casserole

To store leftovers, let the casserole cool completely. Then, cover it tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil or transfer it to an airtight container. It will keep in the refrigerator for about 3-4 days. You can reheat individual portions in the microwave or bake it again in the oven until warmed through.

tips to make Dump-and-Bake Chicken Parmesan Casserole

  • Use any pasta shape you have on hand—penne or fusilli work well too!
  • Feel free to add vegetables like spinach or bell peppers for added nutrition.
  • To make it spicy, add some red pepper flakes to the marinara sauce.
  • You can make this dish ahead of time! Just assemble it, keep it covered in the fridge, and bake it when you’re ready to eat.

variation

You can easily make this casserole vegetarian by omitting the chicken and using sautéed mushrooms instead. You can also substitute the marinara sauce with a pesto sauce for a different flavor profile.

FAQs

1. Can I use frozen chicken for this recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen cooked chicken. Just make sure it’s fully cooked before adding it to the casserole.

2. What if I don’t have rotini pasta?
No problem! You can substitute rotini with any other pasta shape you have available, like penne or elbows.

3. Can I freeze the Dump-and-Bake Chicken Parmesan Casserole?
Yes, you can freeze it before baking. Just cover it tightly and store it in the freezer. When you’re ready to eat, thaw it overnight in the fridge and bake according to the directions.

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Dump-and-Bake Chicken Parmesan Casserole

A one-dish meal that combines the flavors of Chicken Parmesan with the convenience of easy preparation.

Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 40 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes
  • By: Calvin Rourke
  • Category: DINNER
  • Difficulty: Not specified
  • Cuisine: Not specified
  • Yield: 4 Servings
  • Dietary: None

Ingredients

  • 01 1½ cups uncooked rotini pasta
  • 02 2 cups cooked chicken breast, diced or shredded
  • 03 2 cups marinara sauce
  • 04 1¼ cups water or chicken broth
  • 05 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • 06 ½ teaspoon garlic powder
  • 07 ½ teaspoon onion powder
  • 08 Salt and pepper, to taste
  • 09 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 10 ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 11 ½ cup turkey ham or turkey pepperoni (optional)
  • 12 ½ cup breadcrumbs (for topping)
  • 13 1 tablespoon olive oil or melted butter (for topping)

Instructions

Step 01

1. Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) and grab a 9×13-inch baking dish.

Step 02

2. Pour the uncooked rotini pasta into the baking dish.

Step 03

3. Scatter the cooked chicken over the pasta.

Step 04

4. In a bowl, mix marinara sauce with water or broth and stir in Italian seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Pour over the pasta and chicken.

Step 05

5. Sprinkle shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan on top.

Step 06

6. Mix breadcrumbs with olive oil or melted butter and sprinkle over the casserole.

Step 07

7. Cover with foil and bake for 30 minutes, then uncover and bake for another 10–15 minutes until golden and bubbly.

Step 08

8. Let it rest for 5 minutes before serving.